Gun proposal faces delay in Neenah

NEENAH - A proposal to allow city employees to carry a gun legally during work hours could be delayed in light of Saturday's shooting at Eagle Nation Cycles in downtown Neenah, Mayor Dean Kaufert said.

The proposal was planned to be taken up at Monday's Finance & Personnel Committee, but Kaufert said he will ask the committee to delay any discussion of it.

After the shooting, there are "more pressing" issues to address, Kaufert said. Neenah Police Chief Kevin Wilkinson is also too busy with the shooting investigation to answer questions or provide feedback at Monday's meeting.

The current policy, created in 2011, prohibits city employees from possessing firearms or weapons "during the course of performing duties with the city," with the exception to Neenah Police Department officers.

However, anyone with a permit is not restricted from carrying in Neenah City Hall or other Neenah buildings, Kaufert said.

Under Kaufert's proposal, employees could request an exception to the current policy if the employee holds a valid Wisconsin conceal carry permit, attends approved classes, completes "a two-hour refresher course" with the Neenah Police Department every two years and provides "a compelling reason" of why the exception is needed.

"Documented threats" like domestic violence issues or restraining orders would be considered compelling reasons, Kaufert said.

Kaufert made the proposal after receiving requests from city employees about being able to carry a firearm at work.

"The premise for this rule change has been brought to my attention by employees who feel their jobs put them in situations of high emotional stress ... such as discharge, firing, or other disciplinary action," Kaufert wrote in a Dec. 2 memo to committee members. "Another female employee that was granted a restraining order against a former estranged mate also explained how she felt vulnerable during work hours because of this policy. During non-work hours she was using her conceal permit but because of the policy could not protect herself."